On Thursday, July 16th, from 8:00pm - 11:00pm, recent WWD sensation Allison Parris hosted Publicist Justine McCarthy’s birthday party at the members only club The Gates. Instead of birthday presents, guests donated to Designers for Darfur, a charity dedicated to raising awareness for education, advocacy, and relief efforts in Darfur.

Fashion Designer Malcolm Harris, co-founder of Designers for Darfur, represented the organization for the evening. In festive attire and a warm presence he greeted guests for an evening of celebration and philanthropy.

The night opened with red carpet arrivals and a one hour open bar sponsored by Nuvo Sparkling Liquor and Liquid Lightening. Attendees included, Tyson Perez, Editor-in-chief of UNVOGUE Magazine, Broadway actress Nicole Allen, Youareonthelist.com founder Robin Ross, Celebrity Magician Matt Wayne, Karen Biehl and Eli the Chihuahua, Amanda Parenti and entourage of The Green Room, Janete Rodas of Catherine Malandrino, Designer Hillary Flowers, Atarah Valentine and Lord Gavin of Glenkairne, and Derek Warburton of Derek Loves Shopping.

As the venue of marble walls and gilt mirrors filled, the crystal chandeliers cast ambient lighting over an upbeat crowd composed of a mix of lumberjack plaid and couture. Justine McCarthy looked beautiful in a plum colored Allison Parris silk taffeta and silk organza cocktail dress and jewelry by Nicole Miller.

When DJ Claudius Raphael broke into Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” the dance floor became a sea of joy, with a flourish of Allison Parris Dresses. Guests then sang happy birthday over a beautiful Mad-Hatter theme multi-tiered cake and seemingly endless tiers of miniature chocolate cupcakes made by “Desserts by Tawny Ong” and the Brooklyn Treat Shoppe.

As the clock struck the 11th hour, the party showed no signs of letting up. Catherine Gargan and Melanie Moore of Niche Media, and Stylist Keino Benjaman, were seen smiling and dancing into the night by the DJ booth.

Guests left content, with gift bags full of goods from Liquid Lightning, Estee Lauder, AmorePacific Spa, Amanda Parenti from The Green Room, and Julia E. Komanecky from Naturally Couture. Three Pietro Alexander leather bags were auctioned.

The event was produced by Sabrina Chapman Justine McCarthy of Simply Chic Public Relations, LLC.

The Gates, located at 290 8th Ave, in Chelsea and is run by Danny Kane, Redd Styles, and Michael James.

All photos by Steven B Ekerovich/SBE Photography - http://sbephotography.com